Honoring George Perrault in his Hour of Grief

George Perrault stands guard

My friend George Perrault has just lost his wife, Lois Perrault, who passed on Febrary 19, 2014. I extend to George and his family my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences.

Who is George Perrault? I could answer by saying that George Perrault was the US Navy honor guard member who stood at President John F. Kennedy’s public viewing in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol building, after the president’s assassination in 1963. Or I could mention that George Perrault had a distinguished career in the US Navy–or even that he was part of numerous deployments. All that would be true. But George Perrault is, first of all, an honorable human being, who always seems to find time to be there for his friends and associates.

George Perrault

If something of significance is happening, and George Perrault is around, you can be sure George will be there, always finding ways to be helpful. In fact, why was George chosen to stand guard at the rotunda? The answer was, again, his spirit of service and helping out.

Two years prior to that event, George had volunteered to help the honor guard in case there was ever a need. So, his name was on file as someone who was willing to serve in that capacity. When he first volunteered, George had in mind only the regular duties of honor guard. But it was because of his willingness to be of service that he was chosen for that assignment. Just hours after the president’s death, George was preparing for that duty.

We are now, of course, living at very distant times from those events. At this moment of grief for George Perrault, upon the passing of his wife, Lois, I extend to my friend and his family my thoughts and prayers, wishing them comfort in their hour of sorrow.

Paulo-Juarez Pereira
February 20, 2014
Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA